Input on setting up FX5 media?

[Steve]

Could use some thoughts on how to set up media in the FX5 filters. I have a pair of FX5's that I will be using on my 265g tank build so just wondering how any of you guys that also have FX5's have your media set up? In other words...

Top basket_____?
Middle basket_____?
Bottom Basket_____?

I have four Rena XP3's and XP4's and have those set up with

Top basket - Polishing quilt batting
Middle- Matrix media
Middle2nd- Matrix media
Bottom- 20ppm/30ppm pads

That differs from the FX5 though because the FX5's have that outer filter foam around the baskets, so do you still run pads "in/on" the baskets at all or no?

[greg y]

as long as the media isn't getting clogged up I would just fill all the baskets with the best bio media you can afford, like matrix or something, you could always put a prefilter on it too if worried

[Steve]

Don't personally care for prefilters if your talking about the ones that go on the intake?. I've gone to great lengths to keep all the equipment hidden in this tank so putting a prefilter over the intake is not an option for me. I've heard there is "some" bypass on the FX5's so I'm just wondering if others that have this filter run pads before the media in addition to the foam that is around the outer part of the canister?

Plan on ordering my media and any other filter parts this week so just looking for some help on setting them up before I place the order so I get everything I need and don't have to place a 2nd order.

[greg y]

Look on Monster fish keeper, I remember a lot of threads like this a few years ago when I was setting one up. I think I ended up doing good media in the top 2 and nylon pot scrubbies in the bottom but I can't remember if I just ran out of money or if there was a reason

[Steve]

I'll check out MFK tonight, thanks Greg.

[Ogre44]

When you say Nylon Pot scrubbies, are you talking about the flat green Scotchbrite type pads, or the loosely curled steel-wool like pads, or something else entirely?
I keep seeing these mentioned but nobody ever goes into detail.

[linuxrulesusa]

When you say Nylon Pot scrubbies, are you talking about the flat green Scotchbrite type pads, or the loosely curled steel-wool like pads, or something else entirely?
I keep seeing these mentioned but nobody ever goes into detail.

Look on this page about halfway down.  They're nylon pot scrubbers.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?62944-PVC-piping-for-Bio-media

[Ogre44]

That's what I was trying to describe.
Thanks a lot.

[greg y]

They work better when space isnt limited, like in a huge sump or wet dry filter

[greg y]

Oh, and yes, those poofy ones is what I meant.

[Regalblue]

I'd use Bio in all the trays, as long as you have the proper sponges for the rest.